Le Constellation

Le Constellation is a bar located in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, in the Valais canton of Switzerland. It is now the center of a major investigation following a devastating fire on New Year's Eve that resulted in the deaths of 40 people and injuries to 116. The fire, which reportedly swept through the venue in just 90 seconds, has prompted a criminal investigation into a current and former local council official, as well as the bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who are under investigation for possible negligence. Jacques Moretti has been ordered to pretrial detention as a potential flight risk. The tragedy has led to a ban on pyrotechnic devices in indoor public venues in the Valais canton and has sparked national soul-searching in Switzerland regarding the effectiveness of its devolved system of government. The community is in mourning, and victims' families will receive emergency payments. The event has raised questions about safety regulations and accountability.